Member Info for TheSmiler

M&S are already going through a programme of store closures and modernisation, but I'm sure some more store closures will follow when a clearer picture emerges of how stores are trading.
Also, don't forget that Steve Rowe confirmed in the AGM that they will pursue a policy of expanding the food areas in stores, where it was prudent to do so.
As people have already mentioned, M&S appear to be well positioned for the next era.

What happened to The Times thread about the comments Archie Norman and Steve Rowe made at the AGM about the Ocado JV?

I just came across this retweet from Harry Metcalfe indicating global SUV sales for 2019 (apologies if it has already been posted).
Ranger Rover - 51,000
Mercedes G Class - 28,000
Bentley Bentayga - 4.800
Lamborghini Urus - 3,900
Rolls Royce Cullinan - 1,900
https://twitter.com/lovecarindustry/status/1277971727306252298

I am an AML share holder, and I'm in for the long haul.

I'm not holding, but may jump in if the sp dips into the 140's during the coming week, which looks a possibility.
However, I wonder how much of the forecasted 'good news' has already been priced into the share, even at the curent sp level?
In the Notice of Results and Update on trading and liquidity dated 6th May it was stated that "Group sales for the four weeks to 1 May 2020 were 23% below last year on a like-for-like basis, which was better than we initially anticipated."
I'm not entirely convinced that it's all plain sailing to an sp of 200+ from here, but all will be revealed on 7th July.

Other than people here who have an interest in Card Factory does the buying public actually know that you can buy online?
I've just googled Greetings Cards and above Card Factory in the search results are:
Moonpig
John Lewis
Funky Pigeon
Amazon
greetingcards.co.uk
thortful.com

I would think Card Factory's online market share is currently small, and the search result position isn't going to help, but clearly there's an opportunity to grow this side of the business, which they've recognised and are now planning to expedite the release of new website.

Don't you think there's a risk in keeping so many stores closed? Many customers might wonder whether they're going to open again and change their shopping habits. Many will of course will have already changed their shopping habits during lockdown.
The reality for me is that an already tough retail market is about to get tougher, for multiple reasons.
There's no doubt that the sp was undervalued, which is why I invested, but would I have invested at the current sp? I'm not so sure. DYOR

I too am holding for the long term, which was always my plan.
Some of the hype on here lately has been laughable considering that the UK stores are still closed and only 10% will open on or around 15th June. Let's also be brutally honest about footfall, which is clearly going to be a problem for at least the next year in the UK. The new website can't come online soon enough, and not only that, they'll need to invest heavily in marketing to get the word out to the buying public.
I don't personally see much movement in the SP in the near future, but hopefully the sp will follow a path of sustainable long term growth.
DYOR

Far too often I can't get a quote out of H&L, clicking on re-quote doesn't change the situation or canceling and trying again.
It's happened on different shares, on different days at different times.
I really don't think the H&L online platform can handle the volume of trades during lockdown. H&L disagree.
I find the intermittent and unreliability of live prices on the H&L online platform is the most frustrating.

Live Prices have just come back!
H&L have an intermittent problem, whether they want to admit or not.

It displays "Live prices currently unavailable" on my account.
My preferences are set to Live Prices.
I've already had words with H&L who wrote back yesterday and confirmed that there had been isolated issues, but there is no problem ...... yeah, right.

Live prices have failed again on the H&L online platform

They're only opening 10% of stores on or around 15th June? That won't go down well.

I 'm optimistic for the longer term, but it wouldn't surprise me if we see a fall this week.
I am holding and I will add more when the time comes.

I noticed yesterday's fall. I was wondering if it was worth a punt, but I suspect the fall will continue.

Impossible to get a quote on AML from H&L...... again!

Thanks for all the replies.
I too have written to them to complain that I've regularly not been able to get a quote, and when live prices failed this morning I've had it with HL.
Any recommendations for a reliable online dealing platform?

Anyone else having a problem with Hargreaves Lansdown?
The share heat map has been intermittent for the past 3 days and now there's absolutely no live share prices.
I've also had difficulties getting quotes on different shares, at different times on different days. I don't think their online portal can handle current volumes.

I wasn't watching then, so I don't know anything specific to CARD.
Whatever it was it wasn't unique to CARD, just compare to other retailers (eg. MKS) and you'll see a similar but smaller fall in the market at around 9th Jan.

Of course they're not in a better position now than they were in Jan 2020, which is why the SP is where it currently is.
We wait for the results and trading update next week to see what the new plan is.
Place your bets.

I have to agree with 200iq.
The retail game has changed a lot since the Jan 2020 trading update.
A totally new strategy and focus will be required.

The news that McLaren is shedding 1200 jobs isn't helping the cause